At a Glance
- Miami Hurricanes 12-2, No. 10 CFP
- Ole Miss 13-1, No. 6 CFP
- Miami focuses on discipline, saying distractions are none
- Why it matters: Stakes high with a national title on the line
Miami Hurricanes are set to face Ole Miss in the Fiesta Bowl Thursday night in Glendale, Arizona, as the two teams enter a College Football Playoff semifinal. With a 12-2 record, the Hurricanes have tied a school record and are two wins away from their first national championship since 2001. Head coach Mario Cristobal says distractions are none, focusing on discipline and preparation.
Miami’s Mindset
Cristobal told reporters Saturday that there are no distractions and that the team creates its own. He emphasized the growing DNA of the players and the importance of staying on the ball every day. He warned that a moment’s lapse opens a window for a “rat” to get in.
Mario Cristobal
> There aren’t really distractions. You create your own distractions.
> You hammer it every single day and we feel like we’re getting a pretty good result. If you come off it for a second, you’re going to leave a window open and you’re going to let a rat in there.
Ole Miss Context
Ole Miss coach Pete Golding, also a former Saban assistant, highlighted recruiting, sound schemes, stability, and toughness as keys to success. He said the team’s preparation is as hard as Miami’s. He also noted the uncertainty over assistant coaches moving to LSU after Lane Kiffin’s departure.
Pete Golding
> I think most people who went through and were fortunate enough to be around coach Saban understand, number one, the lifeblood of the program is recruiting…
Mario Cristobal
> It has zero impact on our preparation, and I think it’d be safe to say that it doesn’t impact their preparation as well.
Saban Connections
- Mario Cristobal – Alabama 2013-2016
- Pete Golding – Alabama 2018-2022
- Dan Lanning – Alabama GA 2015
- Curt Cignetti – Alabama 2007-2011
Team Comparison
| Team | Record | CFP Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Miami | 12-2 | 10 |
| Ole Miss | 13-1 | 6 |
Key Takeaways
- Miami emphasizes discipline and zero distractions.
- Ole Miss remains focused despite coaching staff uncertainty.
- Both teams share a legacy of Saban-era coaching.
Both teams bring a legacy of Saban-era coaching and a focus on discipline as they head to the Fiesta Bowl, with the outcome shaping the 2026 national championship landscape.
